We had, as we expected, to go and give evidence; but, fortunately, as their trial came on at once, we were not long delayed.
By the time we were wanted, Bracewell, thanks to the dominie’s medical skill, had almost entirely recovered. He was able to identify the two men as among the party who had attacked him, we also having found in their possession some of his property which they had taken. The other two were still at large, but the police entertained no doubt that they should catch them before long.
We all returned to Bracewell’s, and I was glad to find that he had accepted an invitation from Mr Strong, to pay him a visit, which he was able to do as he had engaged a trustworthy man to assist old Bob in taking care of the station. We therefore prepared to set out immediately.
Chapter Seven.
We were actually in our saddles and about to set off, when Hector received a letter from his father directing him to return to town to make some further purchases, and to transact other business.
The dominie, who had been expressing a wish to visit the city and buy some books, begged permission to accompany him.
“You go on leisurely, we’ll soon catch you up,” said Hector. “It is a pity that you should be delayed for us.”
Bracewell agreed to this arrangement. As his strength was not completely restored, it was considered advisable that he should make short stages. While we therefore rode on as we intended to the north-west, our friends, borrowing a couple of horses, that their own might be fresh when they returned to the station, galloped off towards the coast.